Now, I don’t mean that you get a check every 2 weeks as a typical employer would provide, but rather that you have a continuous flow of work.

When you do hourly or project work, it often really is just that. You go to work, tackle whatever issue it is you’re helping with, and once you’re finished, it’s over. You send the invoice, you get paid, and you don’t hear from that client again until they need more work. Sounds good, right? Sure, it’s standard practice.

The big problem with this is…

That you need to have an ever increasing pool of clients so that when one project is over you can go right to the next one. Some clients will only have a one time project or they’ll drop off for whatever reason – so you need to be continuously adding to your client base.

Why a consulting retainer makes this better

When you set up a retainer agreement with your client, essentially you work with them for x amount of hours each month and bill them monthly. It really is as straightforward as that.

Here’s what you need to do to make this all work:

1. You must have a plan for what will be accomplished each month. Or a clearly defined set of deliverables that both you and the client have agreed on.

2. Each week or at minimum at each meeting with the client you should show them what has been achieved or completed prior to the meeting. That way they can see the progress and feel the momentum.

3. Always plan ahead. Again at each meeting, don’t just review what you’ve completed. Review with your client what you plan to accomplish next.

Depending on your client how formal these plans should be will vary. I’ve had some clients that require a status of the project every two weeks to one month with figures and data. Others just want to talk about it.

4. Deliver. This one’s critical. I know it sounds stupid but the whole reason consulting retainers work are because you can make things happen and your client is willing to pay you on an ongoing basis to continue the work.

The next time you’re showing your client your fees or sending a proposal or bid for a project, be sure to build in an option for monthly retainer work.

The consulting retainer set up works better for both you and your client. You get the stability of having a few clients that provide you with steady work and income. And because you don’t have to manage and chase down as many clients you can focus in better on your clients business, give them more of your time and deliver better results.

So there you have it. The consulting retainer. It does work, I’ve used it for many years and it’s my preferred way to work. Have any thoughts or questions? Enter them in the comments area below or contact us through our contact page.

http://blog.radixhound.com Christopher Dwan

Excellent! This is common sense, but when you get started doing consulting, common sense sometimes gets left behind in the frantic search for the next paycheque.

I hope this helps a ton of people, because it’s really useful advice.

http://www.consulting-business.com Michael Zipursky

Thanks Christopher!

http://www.sagawebsites.com Geoff

A client just asked about this last night. I have never done this before, but may set it up with this particular client to try it out. Thanks for the thoughts.

http://www.consulting-business.com Michael Zipursky

Hi Geoff,
Thanks for getting in touch and glad that this was of some help.
Keep in touch and hope that works out with your client.

http://blog.radixhound.com Christopher Dwan

Just want to stop by an mention that by keeping these concepts in mind when working with clients I’ve really seen good benefits. Thanks again.

http://www.consulting-business.com Michael Zipursky

Christopher – that’s great!

Pizazz

I have been dwelling on this idea for a while now and just had no idea how or where to start. Your information is so clear and helpfull. Thank you so much, Im sure that this will work wonders for my consultancy.

Abhishek

What is a general rate / % of retainer to the consulting project?

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